Surgical apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surgical apparatus including a tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly includes a chip assembly, a staple cartridge body, a support plate, and a jaw member. The chip assembly includes a first projection facilitating alignment and connection with a connector assembly of the jaw. The chip assembly further includes a second projection received in a recess in the staple cartridge body. The connector assembly and chip assembly include an electrical connection therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/121,049, filed on Feb. 26, 2015, thecontent of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatus having anarticulating tool assembly. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a surgical apparatus including an improved cartridge and toolassemblies.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical apparatus for operating on tissue are well known in the art andtypically include a powered handle assembly, a body portion extendingdistally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly supported on thedistal end of the body portion and being articulable relative to thebody portion. The tool assembly includes first and second jaws which aremovable in relation to each other between unapproximated andapproximated positions. In surgical stapling apparatus, the first jawsupports an anvil assembly and the second jaw supports a cartridgeassembly. The cartridge assembly may be replaceable to permit reuse ofthe tool assembly during a surgical procedure. The replaceable cartridgeassembly may be provided in a variety of configurations for use ontissue having different properties, i.e., thickness, density. Forexample, the different cartridge assemblies may have staples ofdifferent sizes and/or the staples may be arranged in differentconfigurations.

Many cartridge assemblies include an identification chip that iselectrically coupled to the handle assembly by a conductor extendingthrough the body portion of the surgical stapling apparatus to ensurethe handle assembly is programmed to operate with the attached cartridgeassembly. During attachment of the cartridge assembly to the surgicalstapling apparatus improper loading of the cartridge assembly may resultinto damage to the electrical connection between the cartridge assemblyand the surgical stapling apparatus. To prevent damage to the electricalconnections during loading of the cartridge assembly and during use ofthe surgical stapling apparatus, it would be beneficial to provide acartridge assembly with an improved electrical connection.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a surgical apparatus including an electrical conductor witha strain relief is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a bodyportion having a proximal end and a distal end and includes a connectionassembly supported on the proximal end. The surgical apparatus furtherincludes a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the body portionand being articulable relative to the body portion, the tool assemblyincluding an identification assembly. In addition, the surgicalapparatus includes an electrical conductor extending from the connectionassembly to the identification assembly. The electrical conductorincludes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation ofthe tool assembly relative to the body portion.

In embodiments, the strain relief portion includes a plurality of coils.A height of the plurality of coils may decrease from a proximal portionof the plurality of coils to a distal portion of the plurality of coils.Alternatively, the height of the plurality of coils is uniform from aproximal portion of the plurality of coils to a distal portion. Theplurality of coils may be equally spaced relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the body portion defines a channel for receivingthe electrical conductor. The channel may include a central portion forreceiving the strain relief portion of the electrical conductor. Thesurgical apparatus may include a powered handle assembly and theelectrical conductor electrically couples the identification assembly tothe handle assembly. The tool assembly may include a stapling assembly.The stapling assembly may include a removable cartridge assembly. Theelectrical conductor may include a flexible cable. The flexible cablemay include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximalportion of the flexible cable may be axially affixed to the bodyportion, for example, using adhesive.

In embodiments, the strain relief portion is configured to permitlengthening of the electrical conductor. Alternatively, or in addition,the strain relief portion is configured to permit shortening of theelectrical conductor. The body portion, the tool assembly, and theelectrical conductor may form a loading unit which is configured to bereleasably coupled to a powered handle assembly.

The loading unit may include a jaw member and a cartridge assemblyselectively receivable within the jaw member. The identificationassembly may include a connector assembly disposed within the jaw memberand a chip assembly disposed within the cartridge assembly. Loading ofthe cartridge assembly within the jaw member may cause engagement of thechip assembly with the connector assembly. The electrical conductor mayinclude a connector member integrally formed on a proximal end thereof.The electrical conductor may include a stiffened portion attached to theelectrical conductor.

In a further aspect, a surgical stapling apparatus comprises a toolassembly having a chip assembly, a staple cartridge body, a supportplate, and a jaw member, the chip assembly having a first projectionfacilitating alignment with and connection with a connector assembly ofthe jaw member, the chip assembly having a second projection received ina recess in the staple cartridge body, and the connector assembly andchip assembly having an electrical connection therebetween.

The staple cartridge body, support plate, and chip assembly may form aremovable and replaceable unit. The apparatus can be a loading unithaving a body portion including a connection assembly supported on aproximal end thereof. The connection assembly can form an electricalconnection with an adapter assembly.

The jaw can include a rail extending laterally. The chip assembly canhave a third projection that interfaces with the rail to preventvertical movement of the chip assembly, the staple cartridge body, orboth. A portion of the staple cartridge body can extend proximally andcan be configured to be disposed underneath the rail.

The second projection can define a notch for receiving a tab on thesupport plate. The staple cartridge body has at least one tab extendingfrom the side of the staple cartridge body. The staple cartridge body atleast one tab can have a length; the length of the at least one tab canbe indicative of a length of a staple line defined by the staplecartridge body.

In a further aspect, a removable and replaceable staple cartridgeassembly has a shipping wedge overlying a tissue contacting surface ofthe staple cartridge assembly, the shipping wedge includes a cartridgerelease projection. The staple cartridge body can define a recess thatwould be disposed adjacent a distal end of the stapler jaw when theshipping wedge is attached to the staple cartridge assembly. Insertionof the projection into the recess can be used to release the staplecartridge body from the stapler jaw.

The shipping wedge may have a raised portion on a proximal end thereofto prevent approximation of a stapler anvil with the staple cartridgeassembly, after the staple cartridge assembly has been inserted into thestapler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of an embodiment of the presentlydisclosed surgical stapling apparatus including a tool assembly in anapproximated position;

FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of a disposable loading unit of thesurgical stapling apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side, perspective view of the loading unit shown in FIG. 2with parts separated;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side, perspective bottom view of a mountingassembly and a firing lockout assembly of the loading unit shown in FIG.2 with parts separated;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the indicated area of detail shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a proximal end of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view of the proximal end of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 2 with an upper housing half removed;

FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view of a latch member of the lockoutmechanism supported on the mounting assembly adjacent a working end ofthe drive member;

FIG. 8 is a side, perspective view of an identification assembly of theloading unit shown in FIG. 2 with parts separated;

FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view of the identification assembly shownin FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector assembly of theidentification assembly shown in FIG. 8 and a proximal end of a jawmember of the loading unit shown in FIG. 2 with parts separated;

FIG. 11 is an alternative perspective view of the connector assembly andjaw member shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a side, perspective view of a chip assembly of theidentification assembly shown in FIG. 8 secured to a cartridge body ofthe loading unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a perspective end view of a cartridge assembly of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 2 including the chip assembly shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side, perspective view of the cartridge assembly shown inFIG. 14 being loaded into the loading unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the loading unit shown in FIG. 2with an anvil assembly removed;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly and firinglockout assembly shown in FIG. 4 with parts separated;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a latch member of the firinglockout assembly shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom, perspective view of the firing lockout assembly andthe mounting assembly shown in FIG. 18 and distal end of a driveassembly of the loading unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 21 is a side, cross-sectional view of the distal end of the driveassembly shown in FIG. 20 and the latch member shown in FIG. 19 in afirst or unlocked configuration;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of the driveassembly and the latch member shown in FIG. 21 in a second or lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 23-23 shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side, perspective view of the firing lockout assembly shownin FIG. 18;

FIG. 26 is a side, cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 shown inFIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a top view of a tool assembly of the loading unit shown inFIG. 2 with the anvil plate removed;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a proximal end of the tool assembly shownin FIG. 27 in a first articulated position;

FIG. 29 is a side, perspective view of a cartridge assembly of theloading unit shown in FIG. 2 and a shipping wedge according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a bottom, perspective view of the shipping wedge shown inFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a side, perspective view of a loading unit according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure, including a flexiblecable;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of the flexible cable of the loading unitshown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a side, perspective view of a disposable loading unitaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a side, perspective view of the loading unit shown in FIG. 33with parts separated;

FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the indicated area of detail shownin FIG. 34 showing a mounting assembly and a firing lockout assembly;

FIG. 36 is a perspective bottom view of the mounting assembly and thefiring lockout assembly shown in FIG. 35 with parts separated;

FIG. 37 is a side, perspective view of the firing lockout assembly shownin FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a side, cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 shown inFIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a side perspective view of the indicated area of detail shownin FIG. 34;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged perspective view of a proximal end of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 41 is a side, perspective view of the proximal end of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 40 with an upper housing half removed;

FIG. 42 is a side, perspective view of an identification assembly of theloading unit shown in FIG. 33 with parts separated;

FIG. 43 is a side, perspective view of the identification assembly shownin FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a connector assembly of theidentification assembly shown in FIG. 42 and a proximal end of a jawmember of the loading unit shown in FIG. 33 with parts separated;

FIG. 45 is an alternative perspective view of the connector assembly andjaw member shown in FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 34;

FIG. 47 is a side, perspective view of a chip assembly of theidentification assembly shown in FIG. 42 secured to a cartridge body ofthe loading unit shown in FIG. 33 and received within a support plate ofthe loading unit;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 48-48 shown inFIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 49-49 shown inFIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a perspective end view of a cartridge assembly of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 33 including the chip assembly shown in FIG. 47;

FIG. 51 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a flexible cable of the loading unitshown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a flexible cableaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a distal end of the flexible cableshown in FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a perspective side view of the mounting assembly shown inFIG. 35;

FIG. 56 is a perspective side view of a proximal end of the toolassembly of the loading unit shown in FIG. 33, with an anvil assemblyremoved;

FIG. 57 is a perspective side view of the proximal end of the toolassembly of the loading unit shown in FIG. 33 during loading of acartridge assembly;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a cartridge body of a cartridgeassembly having a first length and a jaw member of a second length;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a cartridge body of a cartridgeassembly having a the second length and a jaw member of the firstlength.

FIG. 60 is a side, perspective view of a cartridge assembly of theloading unit shown in FIG. 33 and a shipping wedge according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 61 is a bottom, perspective view of the shipping wedge shown inFIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical apparatus will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings wherein likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in eachof the several views. In this description, the term “proximal” isgenerally used to refer to the portion of the apparatus that is closerto a clinician, while the term “distal” is generally used to refer tothe portion of the apparatus that is farther from the clinician.

As a tool assembly of a surgical apparatus is articulated, any cablesextending from the body portion to the tool assembly experience strain,i.e., compression or tension. During articulation of the tool assembly,the strain experienced by the cable or cables may damage the cables orcause the cables to become detached. The embodiments of the presentdisclosure address providing a strain relief for relieving the strainexperienced by the cable or cables during articulation of the toolassembly. The embodiments of the present disclosure further addresspreventing damage to the electrical connections within the tool assemblyand the surgical apparatus.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the presently disclosed surgicalapparatus shown generally as surgical stapler 10. Although illustratedas a surgical stapler, the apparatus may include other types of endeffectors including forceps, retractors, clip appliers or the like. Thesurgical stapler 10 includes a powered handle assembly 12, a bodyportion 14, and a loading unit 100. Handle assembly 12 and body portion14 are configured to effect operation of loading unit 100. For adetailed description of the structure and function of handle assembly 12and body portion 14, please refer to commonly owned U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2012/0253329 (“the '329 publication”), thecontent of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Although loading unit 100 is shown and described as being selectivelysecured to body portion 14 of surgical stapler 10, it is envisioned thatloading unit 100 can be supported directly on the distal end of the bodyportion 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the loading unit 100 includes a proximalbody portion 102 and a tool assembly 104. A mounting assembly 170 issecured to the tool assembly 104 and is pivotally coupled to theproximal body portion 102 of the loading unit 100 to pivotally securethe tool assembly 104 to the proximal body portion 102. The loading unit100 is substantially as described in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2013/0098965 (“the '965 publication”) except that the firing lockoutmechanism has been changed, and components for cooperating with apowered handle assembly, i.e., an identification assembly and a flexiblecable, and a shipping wedge have been added. The '965 publication ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Accordingly,the components of the loading unit 100 which are common to those whichare disclosed in the '965 publication, will only be briefly describedherein. In contrast, the components which are newly presented herein,including a connection assembly 190 (FIGS. 5-7), an identificationassembly 200 (FIGS. 8-17), a firing lockout assembly 220 (FIGS. 19-28),a shipping wedge 300 (FIGS. 29 and 30), a flexible cable “R2” (FIGS. 31and 32) and their methods of operation will be described in detailherein.

With reference to FIG. 3, the proximal body portion 102 of the loadingunit 100 includes an upper housing half 110 a and a lower housing half110 b which are contained within an outer sleeve 112. The upper housinghalf 110 a defines a recess 111 a for receiving a first end of a firstcoupling member 114 a and the lower housing half 110 b defines a recess111 b for receiving a first end of a second coupling member 114 b. Whenthe outer sleeve 112 is positioned about the upper and lower housinghalves 110 a, 110 b, the first and second coupling members 114 a and 114b are retained within the respective recesses 111 a, 111 b by the outersleeve 112.

The proximal end of the upper housing half 110 a includes engagementnubs 116 for releasably engaging the distal end of the body portion 14(FIG. 1) of the stapling apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) in a bayonet-typecoupling arrangement. The upper and lower housing halves 110 a, 110 beach define a channel 113 a, 113 b, respectively, for slidably receivinga drive member 182 of a drive assembly 180, as will be described infurther detail below. An articulation link 118 is slidably positionedbetween the upper and lower housing halves 110 a, 110 b and is adaptedto engage an articulation mechanism (not shown) of the surgical stapler10 (FIG. 1) to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly 104 inrelation to the proximal body portion 102. A pair of blow out plateassemblies 120 a, 120 b are positioned adjacent the distal end of theupper and lower housing halves 110 a, 110 b to prevent outward bucklingand/or bulging of the drive member 182 during articulation and firing ofthe tool assembly 104.

A channel 117 extends the length of upper housing half 110 a forreceiving a conductor, e.g., electrical ribbon or cable “R1” or wires.As will be described in further detail below, electrical ribbon “R1”electrically couples a connection assembly 190 disposed in a proximalend of the proximal body portion 102 of the loading unit 100 with anidentification assembly 200 (FIG. 8) disposed within the tool assembly104 of the loading unit 100. A more detailed description of thecomponents of the proximal body portion 102 is provided in commonlyowned U.S. Patent No. 7,143,924 (“the '924 patent”) the content of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the tool assembly 104 includes an anvilassembly 130 and a replaceable cartridge assembly 150 which are movablein relation to each other between unapproximated and approximatedpositions. The anvil assembly 130 includes an anvil body 132 and ananvil plate 134 which is secured to the underside of the anvil body 132to define a channel 131 (FIG. 24). A proximal end of the anvil body 132includes a bracket 132 a defining a hole 133 for receiving a cylindricalpivot member 172 a of an upper mounting portion 172 of a mountingassembly 170. The anvil plate 134 defines a longitudinal slot 135 whichis dimensioned to slidably receive a portion of the working end 184 of adrive member 182 as will be discussed in further detail below. A tissuecontacting surface 134 a of the anvil plate 134 defines a plurality ofstaple receiving depressions (not shown).

The cartridge assembly 150 includes a support plate 152, cartridge body154, a plurality of staples “S”, and a staple firing assembly 160 thatincludes an actuation sled 162 and is further described below. Thecartridge assembly 150 is receivable in a jaw member 156. The cartridgebody 154 and the support plate 152 are attached to the jaw member 156 bya snap-fit connection as described in the ‘965 publication which hasbeen incorporated herein by reference. Other forms of connection arecontemplated and can be used in place of the snap-fit connection or inaddition thereto.

The jaw member 156 is pivotally secured to the anvil body 132 by pivotpins 138 which extend through openings 139 formed in the anvil body 132and openings 151 formed in the jaw member 156. The cartridge body 154defines a longitudinal slot 153 a and a plurality of laterally spacedstaple retention slots 153 b which are positioned in alignment with thestaple receiving depressions (not shown) in the tissue contactingsurface 134 a of the anvil plate 134. An actuation sled 162 isconfigured to translate through the cartridge body 154. The longitudinalslot 153 a of the cartridge body 154 receives a projection 162 a formedon the actuation sled 162 to guide the actuation sled 162 through thecartridge body 154. The cartridge body 154 includes a detent 154 a (FIG.14) extending within the longitudinal slot 153 a which are received inthe recesses 163 a (FIG. 14) formed on the projection 162 a of theactuation sled 162 to secure the actuation sled 162 in place duringshipping of the cartridge assembly 150. Each retention slot 153 breceives a fastener or staple “S” and a pusher 164. The actuation sled162 is positioned within the cartridge body 154 to pass longitudinallythrough the cartridge body 154 into engagement with the pushers 164 tosequentially eject the staples “S” from the cartridge body 154. Thecartridge body 154 further includes a pair of tissue stop members 154 b(FIG. 14) which prevent tissue (not shown) from being positionedproximally of the staple retention slots 153 b. For a more detaileddiscussion of the cartridge assembly 150 including the support plate152, see the '965 publication which has been incorporated herein byreference.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting assembly 170 includes the upperand lower mounting portions 172, 174 and a retention blade 176. Asshown, the upper and lower mounting portions 172, 174 are securedtogether by the posts 178 that extend from the upper mounting portion172. Each of the upper and lower mounting portions 172, 174 includes apivot member 172 a (FIGS. 3) and 174 a (FIG. 4), respectively. Asdescribed above, the pivot member 172 a on the upper mounting portion172 is received within the hole 133 (FIG. 3) of the bracket 132 a of theanvil body 132 to secure the upper mounting portion 172 to the anvilbody 132. The first coupling member 114 a (FIG. 3) of the proximal bodyportion 102 has a second end which defines an opening 115 a which alsoreceives the pivot member 172 a. The pivot member 174 a on the lowermounting portion 174 is received in an opening 115 b of the secondcoupling member 114 b (FIG. 3) of the proximal body portion 102. Thepivot pins 138 which secure the anvil body 132 to the jaw member 156extend through the openings 139 formed in the anvil body 132 and theopenings 151 formed in the jaw member 156 and are received in theopenings 173 formed in the lower mounting portion 174 to secure thelower mounting portion 174 to the jaw member 156 (FIG. 3). The lowermounting portion 174 defines a slot 177 for receiving the retentionblade 176. As will be described in further detail below, retention blade176 includes a curved distal facing surface 176 a (FIG. 4) and a pair oflimiting members 176 b (FIG. 4).

The drive assembly 180 includes the drive member 182 having a body and aworking end 184. The working end 184 includes an upper flange 186 a, alower flange 186 b, a vertical strut 186 c interconnecting the upperflange 186 a and the lower flange 186 b, and a knife 187 supported on orformed into the vertical strut 186 c. The upper flange 186 a ispositioned to be slidably received within the channel 131 (FIG. 24) ofthe anvil assembly 130 and the lower flange 186 b is positioned to beslidably positioned along an outer surface 156 a (FIG. 24) of the jawmember 156. In use, distal movement of the drive member 182 initiallyadvances the upper flange 186 a into a cam surface 134 b formed on theanvil plate 134 and advances the lower flange 186 b into engagement witha cam surface 156 b formed on the jaw member 156 to pivot the cartridgeassembly 150 towards the anvil assembly 130 to the approximated orclosed position. Continued advancement of the drive member 182progressively maintains a minimum tissue gap between the anvil assembly130 and the cartridge assembly 150 adjacent the working end 184 of thedrive assembly 180 as the working end 184 moves through the toolassembly 104.

The distal end of the body of the drive member 182 supports the workingend 184 of the drive member 182 and defines a stop surface 184 a. Theactuation sled 162 (FIG. 3) is disposed within the cartridge assembly150 (FIG. 3) at a position distal of the working end 184. When theworking end 184 is in its proximal-most position and the tool assembly104 is in the open or unapproximated position (FIG. 24), the sled 162and the working end 184 are in their initial position. The sled 162includes a plurality of cam surfaces 166 a which are positioned toengage and lift the pushers 164 within the staple retention slots 153 bof the cartridge body 154. The pushers 164 (FIG. 3) are positionedwithin the cartridge assembly 150 to eject the staples “S” from thecartridge body 154 when the sled 162 is advanced through the toolassembly 104. The proximal end of the sled 162 includes one or morefingers 166 a which define an opening or slot 163 (FIG. 4) which will bedescribed in further detail below.

In certain embodiments, the body of the drive member 182 is formed froma plurality of stacked sheets 182 a-d of material, e.g., stainlesssteel. A locking member 188 (FIG. 3) is supported about the proximal endof the loading unit 100 to prevent axial movement of the drive member182 until the loading unit 100 is attached to the stapling apparatus 10(FIG. 1). A more detailed discussion of the above-identified componentsof the loading unit 100 is described in the '924 patent which has beenincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, a connection assembly 190 is supported on aproximal end of the upper housing half 110 a of the proximal bodyportion 102 of the loading unit 100 and provides an electricalconnection between the loading unit 100 and the surgical stapler 10(FIG. 1). The connection assembly 190 includes a connector housing 192,a contact member 194, and an electronic chip 196. The contact member 194includes a pair of contact portions 194 a that are received within therecesses 193 of the connector 192. The contact portions 194 a arepositioned to engage corresponding contact portions (not shown) of acontact member (not shown) disposed within the elongate body 14 (FIG. 1)of the surgical stapler 10 (FIG. 1). The contact member 194 includes aconnector portion 194 b that extends between the contact portions 194 a.As described above, a conductor, e.g., electrical ribbon or cable “R1”or wires, extends through the proximal body portion 102 of the loadingunit 100 and into the tool assembly 104 to electrically couple theconnection assembly 190 with the identification assembly 200 (FIG. 8).

During attachment of the loading unit 100 to the elongate body 14(FIG. 1) of the surgical stapler 10 (FIG. 1), the contact portions 194 aof the contact member 194 of connection assembly 190 are positioned toengage the contact portions (not shown) of a connector assembly (notshown) supported within a distal end of the elongate body 14 (FIG. 1) ofthe surgical stapler 10 (FIG. 1). Engagement of the contact members 194a of the connection assembly 190 with the contact members of theconnector assembly of the surgical stapler 10 connects theidentification assembly 200 (FIG. 8) of the loading unit 100 with thehandle assembly 12 (FIG. 1) of the surgical stapler 10 (FIG. 1). Asnoted above, the loading unit 100 may be attached to the elongate body14 with a bayonet coupling or in any other suitable manner.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-17, the identification assembly 200 of theloading unit 100 includes a connector assembly 202 and a chip assembly212. The connector assembly 202 includes a connector housing 204. A tab206 a and a protrusion 206 b extend outwardly from connector housing204. The tab 206 a is received within an opening 157 a (FIG. 10) in thejaw member 156 of the tool assembly 104 to align the connector housing204 with the jaw member 156 and the protrusion 206 b is received withinan opening 157 b (FIG. 10) in the jaw member 156 to secure the connectorassembly 202 to the jaw member 156. The connector housing 204 receives adistal end of the conductor, e.g., electrical ribbon “R1” (FIG. 11),that extends from the connection assembly 190 (FIG. 6) to electricallycommunicate the contact member 194 of the connection assembly 190 (FIG.7) with the first and second contact members 206 a, 206 b. Inembodiments, electrical ribbon “R1” is soldered to the first and secondcontact members 206 a, 206 b and the connector housing 204 is moldedabout the distal end of the electrical ribbon “R1” and the first andsecond contact members 206 a, 206 b to secure the electrical ribbon “R1”with the first and second contact members 206 a, 206 b. The contactmembers 206 a, 206 b extend distally from the connector housing 204 whenthe connector housing 204 is secured to the jaw member 156.

The chip assembly 212 includes a chip housing 214 and an identificationchip 218. A projection 214 a extends from the chip housing 214 and isreceived within a recess 155 (FIG. 12) formed in a proximal end of thecartridge body 154 (FIG. 12) of the cartridge assembly 150 to secure thechip assembly 212 to the cartridge body 154. The chip assembly 212further includes first and second contact members 216 a, 216 b thatextend from the chip housing 214 and communicate with the identificationchip 218.

The first and second contact members 216 a, 216 b engage the respectivefirst and second contact members 206 a, 206 b of the connector assembly202 when the cartridge body 154 is received within the jaw member 156(FIG. 16). In embodiments, and as shown, the first and second contactmembers 206 a, 206 b of the connector assembly 202 and first and secondcontact members 216 a, 216 b of the chip assembly 212 are supported onthe connector housing 204 and the chip housing 214, respectively, in acantilevered fashion to permit engagement between the first contactmembers 206 a, 216 a and between the second contact members 206 b, 216b. The first and second contact members 206 a, 206 b of the connectorassembly 202 and the first and second contact members 216 a, 216 b ofthe chip assembly 212 may include a substantially spherical shape tofacilitate engagement between the connector assembly 202 and the chipassembly 212.

The identification chip 218 may include any commercially available chipcapable of storing information including specifications of the cartridgeassembly 150, e.g., cartridge size, staple arrangement, staple length,clamp-up distance, production date, model number, lot number, expirationdate, etc., and transmitting at least some of the information to thehandle assembly 12 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the identification chip218 includes an erasable programmable read only memory (“EPROM”) chip.In this manner, the configuration of an attached cartridge assembly 150may be relayed to the handle assembly 12 such that, for example, thefiring forces and/or the length of the firing stroke of the handleassembly 12 may be adjusted to accommodate the particular cartridgeassembly 150. It is envisioned that instead of an EPROM, theidentification chip 218 may be a read/write memory chip, such asread/write RAM, such that data may be written onto the identificationchip 218. For example, usage information may be written onto theidentification chip 218 that identifies that the loading unit 100 hasbeen fully or partially fired to prevent reuse of an empty or partiallyfired loading unit, or for any other purpose.

With particular reference to FIGS. 16-18, as the cartridge assembly 150is received within the jaw member 156 of the loading unit, the first andsecond contact members 216 a, 216 b of the chip assembly 212 engage thefirst and second contact member 206 a, 206 b of the connector assembly202. Once the first and second contact members 216 a, 216 b of the chipassembly 212 are engaged with the respective first and second contactmembers 206 a, 206 b of the connector assembly 202, information storedon the identification chip 218 of the chip assembly 212 may be relayedto the handle assembly 12 upon connection of the loading unit 100 to thebody portion 14 of the surgical stapler 10. As described above, theidentification assembly 200 is connected to the surgical stapler 10(FIG. 1) via a conductor, e.g., electrical ribbon or cable “R1” (FIGS. 7and 11), extending through the loading unit 100 and by the connectionassembly 190 (FIG. 6) which is disposed within a proximal end of theloading unit 100.

The firing lockout assembly 220 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 18-28. The firing lockout assembly 220 is substantially similar tothe firing lockout assembly described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/230,516 (“the '516 application”), filed Mar. 31, 2014, and willonly be described in detail with reference to the differencestherebetween.

Accordingly, the content of the '516 application is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

The firing lockout assembly 220 includes a latch member 222 which ispivotally supported on a distal end of the lower mounting portion 174.The latch member 222 includes a U-shaped body (FIG. 19) having aproximal base member 224 and two spaced distally extending legs 226. Asshown, the base member 224 is provided with a blocking member 224 awhich defines a blocking surface and is welded or secured to the basemember 224 to provide additional support to the base member 224.Alternatively, the base member 224 and the blocking member 224 a areintegrally or monolithically formed. The latch member 222 is pivotalfrom a first position (FIG. 21) to a second position (FIG. 22). In thefirst position shown in FIG. 21, the blocking member 224 a of the latchmember 222 is aligned with the stop surface 184 a of the drive member182 to prevent advancement of the drive member 182 within the toolassembly 104. In the second position shown in FIG. 22, the blockingmember 224 a is misaligned with the stop surface 184 a of the drivemember 182 to permit advancement of the drive member 182 within the toolassembly 104.

With particular reference to FIGS. 18-20, each of the legs 226 of thelatch member 222 has a centrally located pivot member 228 and anabutment surface 230. The pivot members 228 are supported on hooked arms174 b (FIG. 20) of the lower mounting portion 174 of the mountingassembly 170 to pivotally support the latch member 222 on the lowermounting portion 174. A biasing member includes a pair of springs 232(FIG. 18) which is supported within respective bores 175 a (FIG. 18)formed in a distal face of the lower mounting portion 174 to urge thelatch member 222 towards the first position. Each of the springs 232 ispositioned to engage a nub 230 a formed on the respective abutmentsurfaces 230 of the latch member 222 to bias the latch member 222 in acounter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 24. A distal end of eachof the legs 226 includes a downwardly extending projection 234 which ispositioned to extend through an opening 163 (FIG. 20) defined in thesled 162 when the sled 162 is in a retracted position, the latch member222 is in the first position, and the anvil assembly 130 and thecartridge assembly 150 are in an approximated position.

A pair of springs 236 is positioned between the inner surface 156 b(FIG. 10) of the jaw member 156 and a respective bore 175 b (FIG. 20)defined in a bottom surface of the lower mounting portion 174 to urgethe tool assembly 104 to the unapproximated position (FIG. 2). Jawmember 156 includes a pair of cylinders 158 (FIGS. 10 and 11) forengaging springs 236.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, when the drive member 182 is in the fullyretracted position and the tool assembly 104 is in the unapproximated oropen position, the upper and lower flanges 186 a, 186 b of the workingend 184 of the drive member 182 are spaced proximally of the sled 162and proximally of cam surfaces 238 a, 238 b formed on the anvil plate134 and the jaw member 156, respectively. In the unapproximated positionof the tool assembly 104, the latch member 222 is urged towards acounter-clockwise position by springs 232. The lower mounting portion174 includes a surface 240 which is positioned to engage the base member224 or blocking member 224 a. Engagement between the blocking member 224a and the surface 240 of the lower mounting portion 174 prevents furthercounter-clockwise rotation of the latch member 222 to retain the latchmember 222 in the first position. As shown in FIG. 25, the blockingmember 224 a engages a gusset 174 c of the lower mounting portion 174 toprevent distal movement of the latch member 222 when the firing lockoutassembly 220 is in the locked configuration.

The operation of the firing lockout assembly 220 is described in detailin the '516 application. Briefly, during firing of the loading unit 100,the latch member 222 of the firing lockout assembly 220 is pivoted aboutthe pivot members 174 b of the lower mounting portion 174. As describedabove, the retention blade 176 is received within slot 177 in the lowermounting portion 174. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the curved surface 176a of the retention blade 176 accommodates the arcuate motion of theblocking member 224 a of the latch member 222 to prevent proximalmovement of the latch member 222 during firing of the loading unit 100.Proximal movement of the latch member 222 could cause the pivot members228 to separate from the hooked arms 174 b of the lower mounting portion174. Separation of the latch member 222 from the lower mounting portion174 during firing of the loading unit 100 may result in misfiring of theloading unit 100 and/or prevent the firing lockout assembly 220 fromfunctioning properly.

Prior to firing of the loading unit 100, the tool assembly 104 may bearticulated relative to the proximal body portion 102. Duringarticulation of the tool assembly 104, limiting member 176 b ofretention blade 176 engages the second coupling member 114 b whichextends from the proximal body portion 102 of the loading unit 100 tolimit the articulation of the tool assembly 104 relative to the proximalbody portion 102.

With reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, the shipping wedge 300 of cartridgeassembly 150 is configured to maintain staples “S” (FIG. 3) withinstaple retention slots 153 b of cartridge body 154 and prevent actuationof tool assembly 104 of loading unit 100 prior to removal. The shippingwedge 300 includes an elongate body 302 defining an elongate recess 303(FIG. 30) along a bottom surface of the elongate body. A flange 304extends from within the elongated recess 303 and includes a plurality ofprotrusions 304 for securing the flange 304 within the elongate slot 153a (FIG. 14) of the cartridge body 154 (FIG. 29). A proximal end of theelongate body 302 includes a raised portion 306 (FIG. 29) configured toprevent approximation of the cartridge assembly 150 (FIG. 2) towards theanvil assembly 130 (FIG. 2) once the cartridge assembly 150 is loadedwithin the jaw member 156 (FIG. 2) of the tool assembly 104 and prior toremoval of the shipping wedge 300. A distal end of the elongate body 302includes a projection 308 which is positioned and configured to begrasped by a clinician to facilitate separation of the shipping wedge300 from the cartridge assembly 150. A plurality of tabs 310 extend fromthe elongate body 302 for engaging the cartridge body 154 of thecartridge assembly 150 to releasable secure the shipping wedge 300 tothe cartridge body 154 of cartridge assembly 150.

In some embodiments, the projection 308 of the shipping wedge 300 may beused to remove the cartridge assembly 150 from the jaw member 156 afteruse. The cartridge body 154 can define a recess (not shown) adjacent thejaw member 156 when the cartridge assembly 150 is disposed in the jawmember 156. The shipping wedge 300 is grasped by the user and theprojection 308 is inserted into the recess. The shipping wedge 300 maythen be manipulated (by twisting, pivoting, etc.) to pop the cartridgeassembly 150 out so that it can be removed and possibly replaced.

With reference now to FIGS. 31 and 32, a loading unit according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally asloading unit 400. The loading unit 400 is substantially similar to theloading unit 100 described hereinabove and will only be described asrelates it to the differences therebetween.

The loading unit 400 includes an electrical conductor, i.e., a flexiblecable or electrical ribbon “R2”, for electrical coupling the connectionassembly 190, disposed on a proximal end of the proximal body portion402 of the loading unit 400, with an identification assembly 200 (FIG.8), disposed within the tool assembly 404 of the loading unit 400. Theflexible cable “R2” includes a strain relief portion. The strain reliefportion is an undulating portion of the cable, enabling the loading unitto articulate and still carry the cable. The strain relief portion hasat least one bend and can include a plurality of coils “c”. As shown,the flexible cable “R2” includes seven (7) coils “c” of decreasingheight from a proximal portion of the flexible cable “R2” to a distalportion of the flexible cable “R2”. It is envisioned that flexible cable“R2” may include more or less than seven (7) coils “c” and/or that theheight of the coils may increase from the proximal portion to the distalportion. Alternatively, the heights of the coils “c” may be uniform orvary in a random or uniform manner. Although shown as having uniformspacing between the coils “c”, it is envisioned that the spacing betweenthe coils “c” may be different.

The strain relief portion may be biased to an initial configuration. Forexample, the material and shape of the cable biases the cable to thecoiled configuration shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. During articulation, asdescribed below, the undulating shape of the strain relief portion willopen up. Upon returning the tool assembly to a straighter configuration,less articulated position, or non-articulated position, the undulatingshape, or coiled shape will close, eventually returning to the initialconfiguration in the non-articulated position.

During articulation of the tool assembly 404 of the loading unit 400relative to the proximal body portion 402 of the loading unit 400, theflexible cable “R2” experiences strain. The strain experienced by theflexible cable “R2” is a result of the distance between the connectionassembly 190 proximal body portion 402 and the identification assembly200 disposed within the tool assembly 404 changing as the tool assembly404 articulates relative to the proximal body portion 402. Inparticular, the distance between the connection assembly 190 and theidentification assembly 200 increases as the tool assembly 404articulates in a first direction, as indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 31,and the distance between the connection assembly 190 and theidentification assembly 200 decreases as the tool assembly 404articulates in a second direction, as indicated by arrow “E” in FIG. 31.

The coils “c” of the flexible cable “R2” allow the flexible cable “R2”to have a variable length by deforming in response to a strain on theflexible cable “R2”. In particular, when tension is applied to a distalend of the flexible cable “R2”, as indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 32,flexion of each coil “c”, as indicated by arrows “a₁” in FIG. 32, and/oroutward flexion of the coils “c” relative to each other, as indicated byarrows “a₂” in FIG. 32, permits the flexible cable “R2” to lengthen,thereby relieving the strain on the flexible cable “R2”. Whencompression is applied to the flexible cable “R2”, as indicted by arrow“B” in FIG. 32, inward flexion of each coil “c”, as indicated by arrows“b₁,”, and/or inward flexion of the coils “R2” relative to each other,as indicted by arrows “b₂” in FIG. 32, permits the flexible cable “R2”to shorten, thereby relieving the strain on the flexible cable “R2”.

The proximal body portion 402 of loading unit 400 includes an upperhousing half 410 a and a lower housing half 410 b. A channel 417 extendsa length of upper housing half 410 a and receives the flexible cable“R2”. The channel 417 includes proximal and distal portions 317 a, 417 bfor receiving the proximal and distal portions of the flexible cable“R2”, and a central portion 417 c for receiving the coils “c” of theflexible cable “R2” and accommodating the flexion of the coils “c” whenthe flexible cable “R2” is experiencing strain.

The flexible cable “R2” extends the length of the proximal body portion402 of loading unit 400 and into the tool assembly 404 of loading unit400. The flexible cable “R2” electrically couples the connectionassembly 190 disposed with the proximal body portion 302 of the loadingunit 400 with the identification assembly 200 (FIG. 8) disposed withinthe tool assembly 404 of the loading unit 400. The flexible cable “R2”may be loosely received within the channel 417 to permit longitudinalmovement of the flexible cable “R2”. In one embodiment, the proximal endof flexible cable “R2” is axially fixed within the proximal portion 417a of the channel 417 using, e.g., adhesives, over-molding.

As described above, the flexible cable “R2” extends between a proximalend of the body portion 402 of the loading unit 400 and the toolassembly 404 of the loading unit 400. During articulation of the toolassembly 404 of the loading unit 400 relative to the proximal bodyportion 402 of the loading unit 400, a strain, i.e., tension orcompression, is experienced by the flexible cable “R2”. In particular,articulating of the tool assembly 404 relative to the proximal bodyportion 402 in a first direction, as indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 31,creates a pulling force on distal end of the flexible cable “R2”, asindicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 32, and articulating of the tool assembly404 relative to the proximal body portion 402 in a second direction, asindicted by arrow “E” in FIG. 31, creates a pushing force on the distalend of the flexible cable “R2”, as indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 32. Toaccommodate the strain experienced by the flexible cable “R2” duringarticulation of the tool assembly 404, and thereby prevent breakingand/or buckling of the flexible cable “R2”, as described above, thecoils “c” of the flexible cable “R2” are configured to flexindividually, and relative to each other. As the coils “c” flexoutwardly, the flexible cable “R2” stretches, and as the coils “c” flexinwardly, the flexible cable “R2” compresses. Return of the toolassembly 404 to the non-articulated position causes the coils “c” of theflexible cable “R2” to return to the non-strained configuration.

Although shown and described as being incorporated into the loading unit400, it is envisioned that the flexible cable “R2” may be incorporatedinto any device having an articulating tool assembly and requiringelectrical coupling of the articulating tool assembly to a handleassembly.

With reference now to FIGS. 33-61, a loading unit according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as loading unit500. The loading unit 500 is substantially similar to the loading unit100 described hereinabove and will only be described in detail asrelates to the differences therebetween.

With reference to FIG. 34, a proximal body portion 502 of the loadingunit 500 includes an upper housing half 510 a and a lower housing half510 b which are contained within an outer sleeve 512. A channel 517extends the length of upper housing half 510 a for receiving aconductor, e.g., flexible cable “R3”. As will be described in furtherdetail below, flexible cable “R3” electrically couples a connectionassembly 590 disposed in a proximal end of the proximal body portion 502of the loading unit 500 with an identification assembly 600 (FIG. 43)disposed within the tool assembly 504 of the loading unit 500 and thecartridge assembly 550.

Still referring to FIG. 34, the tool assembly 504 includes an anvilassembly 530 and the cartridge assembly 550 and a jaw member 556. Theanvil assembly 530 includes an anvil body 532 and an anvil plate 534.The cartridge assembly 550 is received within the jaw member 556 andincludes a support plate 552, a cartridge body 554, a plurality ofstaples “S”, and a staple firing assembly 560 which includes anactuation sled 562 configured to translate through the cartridge body554. The actuation sled 562 defines a plurality recesses 561 (FIG. 36)for increasing the structural integrity of the actuation sled 562. Therecesses 561 in the actuation sled 562 also reduce the amount ofmaterial necessary to form the actuation sled 562.

Referring also to FIG. 35, a mounting assembly 570 and a firing lockoutassembly 620 of the loading unit 500 are substantially similar to themounting assembly 170 and the firing lockout assembly 220 describedabove. Briefly, the mounting assembly 570 includes upper and lowermounting portions 572, 574 and a retention blade 576 welded to the lowermounting portion 574 in a proximal position. The firing lockout assembly620 includes a latch member 622 having pivot members 628 that pivotallysupport the latch member 622 on hooked arms 574 a (FIG. 37) of the lowermounting portion 574 and a proximal base member 624 that moves relativeto a curved surface 576 a of the retention blade 576.

Referring also to FIGS. 36-38, to prevent the latch member 622 fromdisengaging from the hooked arms 574 a of the lower mounting portion574, the hooked arms 574 a of the lower mounting portion 574 include alength “A” (FIG. 38) which is greater than the distance “B” (FIG. 38)between the proximal base member 624 of the latch member 622 and thecurved surface 576 a of the retention blade 576. In this manner, thelatch member 622 is prevented from moving proximally a distancesufficient to separate from the hooked arms 574 a of the lower mountingportion 574.

With particular reference to FIG. 35, a leaf spring 636 is secured tothe lower mounting portion 574 of the mounting assembly 570 and isconfigured to engage the jaw member 556 to urge the tool assembly 504 toan unapproximated or open position (FIG. 33). The leaf spring 636 may bewelded, adhered, or otherwise secured to the lower mounting portion 574.

With reference to FIGS. 39-41, a connection assembly 590 is supported ona proximal end of the upper housing half 510 a of the proximal bodyportion 502 of loading unit 500 and provides an electrical connectionbetween the loading unit 500 and the surgical stapler 10 (FIG. 1). Theconnection assembly 590 includes a connector housing 592, first andsecond contact members 594 a, 594 b, and a connector member 596. Theconnector member 596 may be integrally formed with, or otherwiseelectrically connected to, a proximal end of the flexible cable “R3”(FIG. 34).

The connector member 596 includes first and second pads 596 a, 596 b forconnection with the respective first and second contact members 594 a,594 b. In one embodiment, the first and second pads 596 a, 596 b areformed of copper, and the first and second contact members 594 a, 594 bare soldered to the first and second pads 596 a, 596 b, respectively.The connector 596 may further include an electronic chip 597 (FIG. 39),i.e., an EPROM chip, for providing information regarding theconfiguration and/or the condition of the loading unit 500 to thesurgical stapler 10 when the loading unit 500 is secured to the surgicalstapler 10.

The first and second contact members 594 a, 594 b and the connectormember 596 are secured to the connector housing 592 using adhesives,friction fit, or in any other suitable manner. In one embodiment, and asshown, the first and second contact members 594 a, 594 b and theconnector member 596 are secured to the connector housing 592 by anovermold 598. The overmold 598 may also protect the electronic chip 597.The overmold 598 may be formed of, for example, santoprene or othersuitable plastic. The first and second contact members 594 a, 594 b arepositioned to engage corresponding contact portions (not shown) of acontact member (not shown) disposed within the elongate body 14 (FIG. 1)of the surgical stapler 10 (FIG. 1).

With reference now to FIGS. 42-51 the identification assembly 600 of theloading unit 500 is substantially similar to the identification assembly200 of the loading unit 100 described hereinabove, and will only bedescribed in detail as relates to the differences therebetween. Theidentification assembly 600 includes a connector assembly 602 and a chipassembly 612.

With particular reference to FIGS. 42-45, the connector assembly 602includes a connector housing 604, a protrusion 606 a extending from afirst side of the connector housing 604, and an alignment feature 606 bextending from an opposite side of the connector housing 604. Theprotrusion 606 a is received within a slot 557 (FIG. 44) in the jawmember 556 to secure the connector assembly 602 to the jaw member 556.The protrusion 606 a may be heat staked, adhered or otherwise secured tothe jaw member 556 within the slot 557. The alignment feature 606 b actsto guide the connector assembly 602 into engagement with the chipassembly 612 as the cartridge assembly 550 (FIG. 47) is received withinthe jaw member 556 in the event that the cartridge body 554 narrows,e.g., when the sled 562 (FIG. 36) is in distal position.

The connector housing 604 further includes first and second contactmembers 608 a, 608 b extending distally therefrom. The connector housing604 receives a distal end of the flexible cable “R3” (FIG. 34) thatextends from connection assembly 590 (FIG. 38) to electricallycommunicate the first and second contact members 594 a, 594 b of theconnection assembly 590 (FIG. 40) with the respective first and secondcontact members 608 a, 608 b of the connector assembly 602. Inembodiments, connector housing 604 is molded about the distal end of theflexible cable “R3” to secure the flexible cable “R3” with the first andsecond contact members 608 a, 608 b. The connector housing 604 defines anotch 605 (FIG. 44) between the first and second contact members 608 a,608 b for facilitating alignment of the connector assembly 602 with thechip assembly 612.

With particular reference to FIGS. 46 and 47, the chip assembly 612includes a chip housing 614 and an identification chip 618 (FIG. 48)protected by an overmold 618 a. In one embodiment, the overmold 618 a isformed of Santoprene®. A first projection 614 a extends proximally fromthe chip housing 614 and facilitates alignment with the connectorhousing 604 of connector assembly 602. More particularly, the firstprojection 614 a is configured to be received within the notch 605 (FIG.44) formed in the connector housing 604 between the first and secondcontact members 608 a, 608 b. A second projection 614 b extends distallyfrom the chip housing 614 and is received within a recess 555 (FIG. 46)formed in a proximal end of the cartridge body 554 (FIG. 46) of thecartridge assembly 550 to attach the chip assembly 612 to the cartridgebody 554. A third projection 614 c extends in a vertical direction andengages a rail 552 a of the support plate 552 to prevent verticalmovement of the chip assembly 612 once the chip assembly is secured tothe cartridge body 554 and the cartridge body 554 is secured within thesupport plate 552.

As shown in FIG. 49, the recess 555 in the cartridge body 554 and thesecond projection 614 b of the chip assembly 612 includes a steppedconfiguration which provides lateral support for the chip assembly 612.The second projection 614 b of the chip housing 614 defines a notch 615a for receiving a tab 552 b (FIG. 46) of the support plate 552. Receiptof the tab 552 a of the support plate 556 within the notch 615 a of thechip assembly 612 prevents proximal movement of the chip assembly 612relative to the support plate 552 and the cartridge body 554.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 50 and 51, the chip housing 614defines a notch 615 b for receiving a protrusion 554 a formed on aproximal end of the cartridge body 554. Receipt of the protrusion 554 aof the cartridge body 554 within the notch 615 b of the chip assembly612 secures the chip assembly 612 to the cartridge body 554 when thesecond projection 614 b is received within the recess 555 of thecartridge body 554. The chip assembly 612 forms an electrical andmechanical connection with the connector assembly.

The chip assembly 612 further includes first and second contact portions618 a, 618 b that are electrically connected to the identification chip618 (FIG. 48). In one embodiment, the first and second contact portions618 a, 618 b are soldered to the identification chip 618 and the chiphousing 614 forms an overmold that surrounds the first and secondcontact portions 618 a, 618 b. The overmold may be formed of, forexample, Vectra® or other suitable material.

The first and second contact portions 616 a, 616 b engage the respectivefirst and second contact members 608 a, 608 b of the connector assembly602 when the cartridge body 554 is received within the jaw member 556(FIG. 45) of the loading unit 500. In embodiments, and as shown, thefirst and second contact members 608 a, 608 b of the connector assembly602 are supported on the connector housing 604 in a cantilevered fashionto ensure electrical contact between the first contact members 608 a andthe first contact portion 616 a and between the second contact member608 b and the second contact portion 616 b.

Turning briefly to FIG. 52, the flexible cable “R3” is substantiallysimilar to flexible cable “R2” described hereinabove. As noted above,the connector member 596 of the connection assembly 590 may beintegrally formed with, or otherwise electrically coupled to, theproximal end of the flexible cable “R3”. A distal end of the flexiblecable “R3” is configured for electrical connection with the connectorhousing 604 of the connector assembly 602 of the identification assembly600. The first and second contact members 608 a, 608 b may be solderedwith, or otherwise electrically connected to, the distal end of theflexible cable “R3” and as noted above, the connector housing 604 may beovermolded to the distal end of the flexible cable “R3” to secure theconnection between the flexible cable “R3” and the first and secondcontact members 608 a, 608 b.

The flexible cable “R3” includes a plurality of coils “c”, an adhesivebacking “h” along a proximal portion of the flexible cable “R3”, and astiffener portion “st” along a distal portion of the flexible cable“R3”. The adhesive backing “h” may be formed of a PSA adhesive or othersuitable material, and operates to adhere the flexible cable “R3” to theupper housing halve 510 a (FIG. 34) of the proximal body portion 502 ofloading unit 500. The stiffener portion “st” may be integrally formedwith the cable “R3” or securely affixed thereto. The stiffener portion“st” facilitates sliding of the cable “R3” during articulation of thetool assembly 504. The stiffener portion “st” also helps to preventbuckling of the cable “R3” where the cable “R3” is not otherwisesupported. The stiffener portion “st” may be formed of, for example, apolyimide material, and may be attached to a straight portion of thecable.

Turning to FIGS. 53 and 54, an alternative embodiment of a conductor,e.g., flexible cable or electrical ribbon, according to the presentdisclosure is shown generally as flexible cable “R4”. In embodiments,the flexible cable “R4” is substantially similar to the electricalribbon “R1” and each of the flexible cables “R2” and “R3” disclosedhereinabove, and will only be described in detail as relates to thedifferences therebetween.

Referring initially to FIG. 53, a proximal end of the flexible cable“R4” defines first and second openings “O₁”, “O₂” for receiving firstand second posts (not shown) of a connection assembly (not shown).Receipt of the first and second posts within the first and secondopenings “O_(k)”, “O₂” of the flexible cable “R4” electrically couplesthe flexible cable “R4” with the connection assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 55, a distal end of the flexible cable “R4” isreceived within a proximal slot 603′ of a connector housing 604′ of aconnector assembly 602′ and is heat staked within the connector housing604′. A first contact member 608 a′ is press fit within a first distalslot 603 a′ of the connector housing 604′ and a second contact member608 b′ is press fit within a second distal slot 603 b′ of the connectorhousing 604′ to electrically couple the first and second contact members608 a′, 608 b′ with the distal end of the flexible cable “R4”. A distalportion of the flexible cable “R4” includes a collar “C” to restrain andsupport the flexible cable “R4” with the connector housing 604′.

With reference to FIGS. 55 and 56, as noted above, the leaf spring 636of the mounting assembly 570 of the loading unit 500 is secured to thelower mounting portion 574 of the mounting assembly 570 using, forexample, adhesive, welding, or mechanical fasteners. The leaf spring 636engages the jaw member 556 of the tool assembly 504 to urge the toolassembly 504 to the unapproximated position (FIG. 33).

With reference to FIG. 57, the jaw member 556 of the tool assembly 504includes a rail member 556 a along a proximal end thereof. The railmember 556 a engages a proximal portion of the cartridge body 554 of thecartridge assembly 550 as the cartridge assembly 550 is received withinthe jaw member 556 of the tool assembly 504 to limit the angle at whichthe cartridge assembly 550 can be loaded into the jaw member 556. Asshown, the cartridge body 554 includes a proximal extension 554 b forengaging the rail member 556 a of the jaw member 556. Limiting the angleat which the cartridge assembly 550 can be loaded in the jaw member 556facilitates proper engagement between the chip assembly 612 (FIG. 56) ofthe identification assembly 600 (FIG. 56) in the cartridge assembly 550and the connector assembly 602 of the identification assembly 600 in thejaw member 556. The jaw member 556 further includes a stop features 556b (FIG. 44) for preventing over-insertion of the cartridge assembly 550within the jaw member 556.

With continued reference to FIG. 56, the cartridge body 554 includes atissue stop 554 c which prevents tissue (not shown) from beingpositioned proximally of the staple retention slots 553 b. Receipt ofthe tissue stop 554 c within a notch 557 a formed in the jaw member 556provides indication that the cartridge assembly 550 is fully insertedand properly seated within the jaw member 556.

With reference now to FIGS. 58 and 59, the loading units of the presentdisclosure may be provided with staple cartridges of different sizes.For example, a first cartridge assembly 550′ (FIG. 59) is forty-fivemillimeters (45 mm) in length and a second cartridge assembly 550″ (FIG.59) is sixty millimeters (60 mm) in length. Receipt of the firstcartridge assembly 550′ in a second jaw member 556″ (FIG. 59) configuredto receive the second cartridge assembly 550″ or receipt of the secondcartridge assembly 550″ in a first jaw member 556′ (FIG. 58) configuredto receive the first cartridge assembly 550′ may result inmalfunctioning of the loading unit, e.g., misfiring.

To prevent loading of the first cartridge assembly 550′ in the secondjaw member 556″, a cartridge body 554′ of the first cartridge assembly550′ includes opposed tabs 554 a′ which are larger than opposed cutouts555″ in the second jaw member 556″. In the event that the firstcartridge assembly 550′ is inadvertently loaded into the second jawmember 556″, the opposed tabs 554 a′ of the cartridge body 554′ of thefirst cartridge assembly 550′ will prevent the first cartridge assembly550′ from properly seating in the second jaw member 556″. Similarly, thecartridge body 554″ of the second cartridge assembly 550″ includesopposed tabs 554 a″ and the first jaw member 556′ is devoid of opposedcutouts for receiving the opposed tabs 554″. Accordingly, in the eventthe second cartridge assembly 550′ is inadvertently loaded into thefirst jaw member 556′, the opposed tabs 554 a″ of the cartridge body554″ will prevent the second cartridge assembly 550″ from properlyseating in the first jaw member 556′.

With reference to FIGS. 60 and 61, a shipping wedge according to anembodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as shippingwedge 700. The shipping wedge 700 is substantially similar to theshipping wedge 300 described hereinabove. The shipping wedge 700 isconfigured to selectively engage the cartridge assembly 550.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

1. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising: a tool assembly having achip assembly, a staple cartridge body, a support plate, and a jawmember, the chip assembly having a first projection facilitatingalignment with and connection with a connector assembly of the jaw, thechip assembly having a second projection received in a recess in thestaple cartridge body, and the connector assembly and chip assemblyhaving an electrical connection therebetween.
 2. The surgical staplingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge body,support plate, and chip assembly form a removable and replaceable unit.3. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theapparatus is a loading unit having a body portion including a connectionassembly supported on a proximal end thereof.
 4. The surgical staplingapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connection assembly forms anelectrical connection with an adapter assembly.
 5. The surgical staplingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jaw includes a railextending laterally.
 6. The surgical stapling apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein the chip assembly has a third projection thatinterfaces with the rail to prevent vertical movement of at least one ofthe chip assembly or the staple cartridge body.
 7. The surgical staplingapparatus according to claim 5, wherein a portion of the staplecartridge body extends proximally and is configured to be disposedunderneath the rail.
 8. The surgical stapling apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the second projection defines a notch for receiving atab on the support plate.
 9. The surgical stapling apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge body has at least one tabextending from the side of the staple cartridge body.
 10. The surgicalstapling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one tabhas a length, the length of the at least one tab being indicative of alength of a staple line defined by the staple cartridge body.